7 Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling
Finding healthy physical activities while away from home is just one example of how a small effort can positively affect your well-being. Spending time in your hot tub is another. It's part of a holistic approach to wellness with significant positive benefits. Just 20 minutes a day can help you reduce stress, increase flexibility, help increase circulation, promote muscle recovery and improve sleep.
Whether you're on vacation or traveling for work, squeezing in time for physical activity while on the road can be difficult. Finding a way to avoid the boredom of the hotel gym is possible with a little planning. And it can be a lot of fun. Think of it as incidental, localized exercise.
It's a matter of planning activities around your destination. Put a little thought into your fitness options while traveling to add some spice to your workout. Best of all, you can do it in as little as 10 or 20 minutes at a time. Here are some great options:
1. Make some footprints
Traveling near the ocean? A long walk down the beach is good for your body and mind. If the weather is nice enough, walk barefoot in deeper sand, and you'll get a toning exercise for your feet, shins and calves as your ankles and legs adjust to the shifting movement of soft sand. Need a break? Just head toward the packed sand along the water.
2. Lace up your boots
Hiking is a great exercise that burns calories as you expand your world view. No matter where you travel, a good hike is probably not too far away. If you don't want to take a long hike, just take a few 10- or 20-minute walks in a nearby park during the day. It'll add up to a substantial amount of exercise.
3. Go ahead and jump
A jump rope takes up little space in your luggage, yet it provides a concentrated, high-intensity, full-body exercise that you can do almost anywhere. Find a nearby park or any beautiful local setting that appeals to you, and get in a workout that burns more calories than most other activities.
4. Rent a bike
These days, you can rent a bike in almost any city. Find a shop, and you'll also find local expertise. Discover trails in the area that can help you see more of the place you're visiting in a shorter period of time.
5. Feet on the street
The best way to experience a city, discover its vibe and uncover its secrets is walking. You'll be amazed at how wonderfully tiring it can be to explore a new city on foot. Even if you take longer trips around the city with public transit, you'll get plenty of time on your feet as you shop and see the sights.
6. Meditate
No matter where you find yourself, you can always take some time to stretch, breathe deep and concentrate. It's a mental workout that travels exceptionally well. Do it right, and you'll not only have a great workout, but you may just enjoy your destination a bit more.
7. Tell us how you stay fit!
Where are you traveling to next? Are you planning to take it easy or spend time working out while you're away? What kinds of activities will you do while traveling to keep fit? Post a note here and let us know.
U.S.A.
Canada